enculturating las vegas into the next millennium... art, dance, film, music, poetry, theater, history, nature and everything else that enriches the lives of those who live and visit southern nevada... Since 2003...

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Off The Strip... New Genres Festival 2012 returns to the CAC

Many have come, tried and failed, but none have survived as long as the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC). Since 1989 the CAC has brought some of the most innovative and interesting contemporary art shows to Las Vegas. So in keeping with this long standing tradition the Grand Dame of Las Vegas' art scene brings back the vaunted Off the Strip New Genres Festival. Begun in 2009 the festival features an amazing array of performance and video based art with an interactive Q & A session with the participating artists. The event will take place over the next several days and culminate with a new genre exhibition on Thursday, September 6.

The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 art organization in Las Vegas, Nevada established to develop and provide a central venue for artists and the general community to learn, network, share, and experience all varieties of artistic and cultural expression.

Nevada Public Radio

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

XEN ART @ Amanda Harris Gallery...

Well it looks like one of the newest galleries in 18b (Las Vegas' arts and design district) is having a party. And by the looks of the flier below it might be quite revealing! No, but in all seriousness, Amanda Harris Gallery of Contemporary Art located on the bottom level of Soho Lofts will be hosting an art event on Friday, August 31st, that will feature the finalists of the Xyience Juried Art competition. The event begins at 6pm with the after party at The Lady Silvia that begins at 10pm.

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Monday, August 27, 2012

Coffee with Kaiser... Musical happenings for the week of August 27...

Here is this weeks Coffee with Kaiser musical listing of concerts and recitals. Also make sure to stay tuned to my barrage of posts that will be coming up in the next few days. September is only a week away it it has become the de facto cultural month in Las Vegas, with dozens of festivals, arts shows, concerts and crazy events to celebrate the upcoming cooler weather in the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Have a great and culturally filled week everyone, and remember: Get Enculturated!

Everyday 5:00pm-6:00pm now through September 6th

Classical and Jazz Guitarists
Including Classical Guitarist Ricardo Cobo! enjoy the beautiful
Bellagio Conservatory (large beautiful garden near the front desk, and self parking)Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89109Free and Open to the Public
more info http://www.bellagio.com/attractions/botanical-garden.aspx

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Where have I been! Thank a Rhinestone...

As many of my readers have probably noticed I have been a bit incognito when it comes to my relatively aggressive postings on the blog. Not that I have chosen to be actually, but I have been a we bit busier then normal. In July I was given the great honor of being appointed chairman of theLiberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts. An appointment that I am deeply humbled by. I would have never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have been given the opportunity to lead the very organization that began my career in the museum field over 10 years ago.

Its funny to look back at those heady days at the museum. I had blond hair back then and enough piercings that drove me inside anytime I saw a storm brewing. Goodness, I even remember my interview with the museums director Sandra Harris whom I asked if my "alternative" look would be too much for the gray haired ladies that frequented the museum. She quipped, "it's Liberace!" Its true, I said to myself. How could anyone be wilder than the man who invented "Showmanship!"

I officially left the museum in 2003 but I returned as a board of director in 2010 to help the Foundation through the difficult period after the historic institution closed. I have always been loyal to Liberace and his foundation and felt strongly that I could help in some way. So you are probably thinking, "well I thought the museum was closed.?" Yes the museum is closed but what people do not widely know is that it was just a part of a larger foundation that gives scholarships to students in the performing and creative arts. A perfect fit for me considering I love the arts.

Though the years have passed from my time being an employee of the Liberace Museum, my dedication to the field and to the cultural arts has been unwavering. I have even become a bit of an expert on the arts in Southern Nevada. Being called upon in a split-second for interviews and TV appearances, even though I have not owned a TV in 7.5 years! In either case I hope that I have been able to use some of that Liberace star-power to continue to do good in the community and to help further the arts.

There is little doubt that the importance of the cultural arts and humanities to a community is immeasurable. Yes there will always be naysayers who say the arts are waste of time and have no real economic benefits, but I simply rebuke them as completely ill-informed. Las Vegas is learning that the cultural arts is a power to be reckoned with, especially when attempting to redevelop it's economy from a tourist destination to a more economically diverse community. You cannot attract non-gaming based businesses and companies unless we have the arts, which in turn helps further the cultural offerings that attract the creatives that make up this important and ever expanding segment of the economy. Lets face it we need more than pretty lights to make our community, well, a community. A community needs to feel that there is stability and permanence and the arts is a demonstration of a communities investment in its future.

Over the next few months you will see more and more of my musings regarding the state of the cultural arts in Southern Nevada and of course you will also read more about what we are doing at the Foundation to further our mission to provide scholarship assistance to students. With this said I leave you to enjoy your day and most importantly get involved in the arts. Go to a museum, a concert at The Smith Center, a theatrical performance at the Las Vegas Little Theater or visit an art gallery; you will be glad you did.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Coffee with Kaiser... Musical happenings for the week of August 20...

Good morning everyone and welcome to Coffee with Kaiser! I though why not try a new title for the weekly list of musical happenings provided by the wonderful and fabulously talented Laraine Kaiser. Change is a good thing right? Why not!

Have a great and awesome week everyone and stay tuned for more amazing cultural happenings in this radiant city we call home!

Everyday 5:00pm-6:00pm now through September 6thClassical and Jazz Guitarists
Including Classical Guitarist Ricardo Cobo! enjoy the beautiful
Bellagio Conservatory (large beautiful garden near the front desk, and self parking)Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas NV 89109Free and Open to the Public
more info http://www.bellagio.com/attractions/botanical-garden.aspx

Friday August 31st, 3:00pm
Firenze Strings featuring guest artists: vocalist and pianist Voltaire Versoza,
composer Aaron Ramsey and clarinetist Martin Radunz program includes works by A. Ramsey,
Vivaldi, and Rachmaninoff
Christ the King Catholic Church4925 S. Torrey Pines Dr.
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702-871-1904

Nevada Public Radio

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Monday, August 13, 2012

The Kaiser Report... Musical happenings for the week of August 13...

Good morning! The day has began and of course we are excited to bring another great listing of musical happenings about town by Las Vegas' very own Laraine Kaiser. I am thinking of renaming these posts from the Kaiser Report to Coffee with Kaiser just because every time I do the post I have a cup of coffee sitting next to me. But I digress.

May all of you enjoy your week and remember... Artists make great pets! So go and support the arts.

Cello Trio: Cellicentric; Raymond Sicam, Lindsey Springer and Irina ChirkovaPerforms their own arrangements, from classical to pop tunes, they start at 10pmRaymond will open the show with his own original music at 9:30Freaking Frog4700 S. Maryland Las Vegas, NV 89119Free and Open to the Public (no cover) more info 702-498-9808

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Vegas StrEATS is Back for a hot August Night!

Their back... Yep, that zany, quirky and awesome little street festival is back with lots of fun packed into the Jackie Gaughan Plaza located right next to the Historic El Cortez. If you like to have some fun and a taste of Vegas culture you need to come Downtown to see what all the fuss is about!

Check out the flier below for all the details. The festivities begin at 6pm till...

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Downtown Projects needs more art!

image provided by Downtown Projects

Just a few more days are left for all you amazing artists and creatives to get in the game. Get in, get creative and get recognized!

Downtown Project is excited to announce our first-ever Arts Contest. We’re inspired by the energy and passion of the Downtown community, and we’re looking for arts submissions that are inspired by it, too.

From July 15th to August 15th, we’ll be accepting submissions via video from local artists, writers, musicians, dancers, and more. The requirements are that the submission comes from a local resident and that the submission is of must be new, original work in any medium that is inspired by Downtown Las Vegas. By any medium, we mean ANY medium. The submission could be a song, a piece of choreography, a poem, a long-form narrative, a sculpture, a painting, a photograph. This list is not meant to be inclusive of all the possibilities.

The submissions will be judged by a jury of local artists, writers, and community members. From the submissions, 10 runners-up will be chosen and each will receive $100. The Grand Prize winner will receive $2500. All of those chosen will have their work featured on downtownproject.com and will participate in an exhibition/performance/reading at First Friday on October 5th as part of the 10th Anniversary Celebration of Las Vegas’ monthly arts festival.

Monday, August 06, 2012

The Kaiser Report... Musical happenings for the week of August 6...

Hello and happy Monday all you fabulous and amazing culturally minded individuals! Okay you are probably wondering, "what is Paco on!" Well actually nothing and as a matter of fact I have not even had my morning coffee yet. But with that said it is Monday and the week is a foot so as always here is Laraine Kaiser's weekly update of musical happenings about-town. So take a look and if anything tickles your fancy just go to the show.

Some of the best young Las Vegas musicians perform in a
Chamber Orchestra, program includes Walker,
Bach and Mozart; Taras Krysa, conductor
UNLV Doc Rando Hall
Beam Music Center
4505 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89154
Free and Open to the Public
more info 702 283-0334

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Friday, August 03, 2012

First Friday and a nice Hot August Night!

First of all I just want to send out a huge apology to all of my amazing readers and followers. Not because I am some absent minded blogger but rather because I have been a little quiet on the blogging side of things. Granted I will be the first to admit I have been a wee-bit busy. Besides my day job as "curator extraordinaire", I was recently appointed as Chairman of the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts. A role that never in my wildest dreams ever thought I would step into (more on that later).

Of course all this has kept me busy to say the least. But the good thing I have to report it has not stopped me from being on the pulse of what is happening in the arts in Southern Nevada. If anything it has kept even more abreast of the arts and all of its amazing little nuances. With this said we are in for a treat tonight as Las Vegas' Arts and Culture scene blows up with First Friday.

Though I am not going to post a concise list of what is happening simply because there is so much here are a few things that you should not miss. So get out and explore to find all the little hidden treasures in and around Downtown and Las Vegas' very own arts district.

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

The Tell Returns! A storytelling fun filled evening...

Dayvid Figler,
Las Vegas Poet Extraordinaire

If you do not know Dayvid Figler shame on you. j/k... Actually you should get know one of the Las Vegas' most prolific if not famous poets. Not to mention the fact that he has uncanny ability to tell amazing stories. I was introduced to Dayvid at Cafe Enigma in Downtown Las Vegas about 15 years ago, while he was reading a poem about anti-bacterial soap. I know right! Who writes a poem about anti-bacterial soap! Well Dayvid does and it was great! So when you put this guy in front of a mic you know you are in for the ultimate treat.

So a couple of years ago Dayvid took his cultural talent and created The Tell. An evening filled with fun storytelling by some of Las Vegas' most creative locals. Whether it is hairstylist, an author, a barista or an attorney everyone has a crazy and zany story to Tell. So with this said The Tell returns to Downtown Las Vegas this Thursday, August 2. With a pretty amazing selection of locals to take up the mic it looks like this event is not one to be missed. So after you get a chance to visit the Arts District for Preview Thursday make sure to make your way down to the El Cortez for a fun filled evening of Dayvid Figler and his cast of storytellers!

Each Tell revolves around a theme and this months will be all about those - "My Oh &^%# Moment! – Taking on the Unexpected For Better or Worse".

The event will take place inside the Fiesta Room located at the Historic El Cortez Hotel in Downtown Las Vegas. The doors open at 7 with the storytelling beginning at 8pm. The event is 21 and over. There will be a small 5 dollar admission. Doors open at 7, show begins at 8. Full bar.

Nevada Public Radio

For more information on the Cultural Arts in Las Vegas please visit Nevada Public Radio. NPR has detailed listings of many cultural and civic events hosted by area non-profits click on this linkhttp://www.knpr.org/common/psa/listNEW.cfm and if you are planning an event in the next few months, be sure to get your free listing in Nevada Public Radio's Desert Companion magazine by submitting the information here at http://www.knpr.org/culture/eventaddnew.cfm

About Me

Brian Paco Alvarez, is a professional curator, urban historian and native Las Vegan. He has dedicated his life and career to the cultural arts and historic preservation in the Las Vegas area and throughout the state.